Health professionals for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Attica

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in” που σημαίνει «Υπάρχει μια ρωγμή σε όλους, έτσι το φως περνάει μέσα μας». Αυτή είναι μια φράση του Leonard Cohen, πάνω στην οποία «έπεσα» επάνω, σε μικρή ηλικία και σε μια πολύ δύσκολη και κρίσιμη περίοδο της ζωής μου. Αυτή η φράση μου έδωσε μια περίεργη αίσθηση αισιοδοξίας κι ελπίδας χωρίς να έχω καταλάβει ακριβώς εκείνη τη στιγμή τι σημαίνει. Αρχισα, λοιπόν, από μικρή ηλικία να ψάχνω τι σημαίνει το να είναι ένας άνθρωπος «σπασμένος». Κάθε μέρα έδινα και μια ακόμα ερμηνεία σε αυτό. Αν και πρόκειται για μια διαδικασία που δεν σταματάει και ποτέ. Προκειμένου να μπορέσω να καταλάβω τα κομμάτια που με απαρτίζουν, να τα κολλήσω και να μπορέσω να επιτρέψω στο φως να περάσει, άρχισα να στρέφομαι στην ψυχολογία και να έχω μια επιθυμία να καταλαβαίνω τα «γιατί» που υπήρχαν πίσω από τα κομμάτια μου. Να προσπαθήσω να ταιριάξω το ένα με το άλλο και να σχηματίσω την εικόνα του εαυτού μου. Όπως εγώ με βλέπω, όπως εγώ με καταλαβαίνω, όπως εγώ με αισθάνομαι, όπως εγώ εκφράζομαι, όπως εγώ με μαθαίνω, και φυσικά να συμφιλιωθώ με αυτά. Ακόμα, κατάλαβα πως δεν πειράζει καθόλου να υπάρχουν κομμάτια και ρωγμές, καθώς τίποτα δεν είναι τέλειο. Άλλωστε χωρίς ρωγμές πως θα χωρέσει το φως; Από το σχολείο κιόλας, έπρεπε να επιλέξω ανάμεσα σε διάφορα μαθήματα ελεύθερης επιλογής και στράφηκα σε αυτό της ψυχολογίας. Τότε κατάλαβα πως αυτό ήθελα. Να ασχοληθώ με αυτήν την επιστήμη. Αρχικά για να καταλάβω εμένα κι έπειτα για να μπορέσω να βοηθήσω κι όσους το έχουν ανάγκη να βρουν κι εκείνοι αυτά τα «σπασμένα» κομμάτια, να τα κρατήσουν στα χέρια τους, να τα αναγνωρίσουν, να τα αγαπήσουν και να μπορέσουν να ζήσουν με αυτά, αφήνοντας το φως να περάσει. Ονομάζομαι Μαρία Σολδάτου και ξεκίνησα το ταξίδι μου στον κόσμο της ψυχολογίας από τη φιλοσοφική σχολή Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ), στο τμήμα Φιλοσοφία-Παιδαγωγικό-Ψυχολογίας. Ύστερα, θέλοντας να λάβω παραπάνω γνώσεις πάνω στο αντικείμενο, σπούδασα Εφαρμοσμένη Ψυχολογία (Applied Psychology), στο πανεπιστήμιο του Derby. Ύστερα, προκειμένου να αποκτήσω εμπειρία πάνω στο αντικείμενο, επέλεξα το μεταπτυχιακό μου πάνω στην Συνθετική Συμβουλευτική και Ψυχοθεραπεία (Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy), στο πανεπιστήμιο του Derby. Μέσα από το μεταπτυχιακό μου ολοκλήρωσα 300 ώρες εποπτευόμενης πρακτικής στο Roots Wellness Center, στο οποίο και συνεχίζω ως συνεργάτης μετά από την ολοκλήρωση του μεταπτυχιακού μου. Παράλληλα με τις σπουδές μου, δούλεψα εθελοντικά στην ΜΚΟ, animahome, μονάδα ψυχικής υγείας και κοινωνικής στήριξης. Ως θεραπευόμενη κι εγώ με τη σειρά μου κατάλαβα πόσο σημαντική είναι η σχέση μεταξύ του θεραπευτή και του θεραπευόμενου. Πόσο σημαντική είναι η ανάπτυξη της εμπιστοσύνης και της ασφάλειας προκειμένου να γίνει κάποιος συνοδοιπόρος στο δύσκολο, μα τόσο λυτρωτικό ταξίδι της ψυχοθεραπευτικής διαδικασίας. Κατάλαβα πόσο σημαντικό είναι να μπορεί ένας άνθρωπος να «ανοίξει» τα κομμάτια του σε ένα ασφαλές πλαίσιο, χωρίς κρητική. Να μπορέσει να δώσει ο ίδιος τις απαντήσεις στις δυσκολίες του έχοντας ως σημείο αναφοράς το θεραπευτικό πλαίσιο, προσπαθώντας να βρει και να θέσει ο ίδιος το δικό του κέντρο, επιστρέφοντας σε αυτό, προκειμένου να μπορέσει να βρει τις δικές του ισορροπίες. Ως ψυχοθεραπεύτρια εκπαιδεύτηκα στο Συνθετικό μοντέλο (ψυχοδυναμική, προσωποκεντρική και γνωστική-συμπεριφοριστική προσέγγιση). Χρησιμοποιώντας τις διαφορετικές προσεγγίσεις δημιουργείται ένα εξατομικευμένο πλάνο ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες και τους θεραπευτικούς στόχους του κάθε ατόμου. Φυσικά, πιστεύω πάρα πολύ στη διαρκή ενημέρωση, εξέλιξη και ανάπτυξη του ατόμου, γι’ αυτό και συνεχίζω να ενημερώνομαι συνεχώς και να ενισχύω τις γνώσεις μου σε προσωπικό και επαγγελματικό επίπεδο. Εσένα λοιπόν, ποια είναι τα κομμάτια σου;

Droumpoulas Theodoridis Nikolaos is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist MA, holder of a Psychology degree from the University of Sheffield. He obtained his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the same university. He has specialized in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, and has also received additional training in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) at the Greek Center for Compassion-Focused Therapy. He has worked as a Psychologist in unaccompanied minor facilities and has volunteered as a Psychotherapist for the Psychogeriatric Society "Nestor." Additionally, he has completed supervised clinical internships at the Counseling Center of the International Department of the University of Sheffield, at the Center for Applied Psychotherapy and Counseling, and at the Third Psychiatric Clinic of AHEPA Hospital. Furthermore, he fulfilled his military service as a Psychologist at the Military Hospital 212 KIHNE. Since 2015, he has been conducting individual Psychotherapy and Counseling sessions, providing specialized services to adults facing difficulties related to anxiety, depression, grief, anger, interpersonal relationship issues, self-esteem, need recognition, and boundary setting. Finally, he has participated in numerous specialized seminars and trainings, aiming at continuous professional and personal development, within the framework of a commitment to good and ethical practice.

Pappa - Katsiafa Aleksandra is a Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Kallithea (Mindful Path) and also collaborates with the Psychotherapy & Alternative Therapy Center Roots Wellness Center. She is a graduate of Psychology from the University of Crete and holds a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the Hellenic American University. She has worked as a Psychologist in a Chronic Disease Treatment Center in Trikala and completed her clinical internship as a Clinical Psychologist at the Municipality of Ilioupoli. Additionally, she has attended two seminars on Social Clinical Psychology of Addiction and on Education in childhood and adolescence from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Concurrently, she has been trained at the Center for Training & Treatment of Eating Disorders (KEADD). Currently, she is attending the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program at the Institute for Research & Behavioral Therapy. Finally, in private practice, she manages cases across the full spectrum of psychology, with a specialization in eating disorders, panic attacks - phobias, as well as anxiety and mood disorders.

Ο Μάριος Μπαγιάστας είναι Κλινικός Ψυχολόγος - Ψυχοθεραπευτής με άδεια ασκήσεως επαγγέλματος, εξειδικευμένος στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία (CBT) και στη χρήση τεχνικών Mindfulness. Παρέχει δια ζώσης συνεδρίες στο γραφείο του στο κέντρο της Αθήνας αλλά και online ψυχοθεραπευτικές συνεδρίες, δίνοντας τη δυνατότητα σε άτομα από όλη την Ελλάδα και το εξωτερικό να λάβουν ψυχολογική υποστήριξη από την άνεση του προσωπικού τους χώρου. Διαθέτει πτυχίο Ψυχολογίας από το University of East London και μεταπτυχιακό δίπλωμα στη Γνωσιακή Συμπεριφορική Θεραπεία από το Euraka, ενώ έχει ολοκληρώσει και δεύτερο μεταπτυχιακό στην Κλινική Ψυχολογία από το London Metropolitan University. Επιπλέον έχει παρακολουθήσει μετεκπαίδευση στις Αγχώδεις και Καταθλιπτικές Διαταραχές από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών (ΕΚΠΑ). Κατά τη διάρκεια των συνεδριών του, ενσωματώνει τεχνικές Mindfulness, βοηθώντας τους θεραπευόμενους να εστιάσουν στο "εδώ και τώρα", να διαχειριστούν το άγχος και τις αρνητικές σκέψεις και να ενισχύσουν τη συναισθηματική τους ισορροπία. Η χρήση Mindfulness έχει αποδειχθεί ιδιαίτερα αποτελεσματική στη μείωση του άγχους, των κρίσεων πανικού και της κατάθλιψης, ενισχύοντας τη συνολική ψυχική ευεξία. Με σημαντική εμπειρία σε φορείς Ψυχικής Υγείας όπως οι Ψυχαγκάλη, Roe, Mytherapist και Milamou, ο Μάριος Μπαγιάστας έχει συνεργαστεί με άτομα που αντιμετωπίζουν: Αγχώδεις Διαταραχές, Κατάθλιψη, Κρίσεις Πανικού και Φοβίες, Διαταραχές Διατροφής, Διαχείριση Θυμού και Διαχείριση Πένθους. Οι συνεδρίες που προσφέρει έχουν σχεδιαστεί για να προσαρμόζονται στις ανάγκες του κάθε θεραπευόμενου, προσφέροντας ένα ασφαλές και υποστηρικτικό περιβάλλον. Με στόχο τη δημιουργία ενός κλίματος εμπιστοσύνης και αποδοχής, βοηθά τους θεραπευόμενους να ενδυναμώσουν την αυτογνωσία τους, να αποκτήσουν ψυχική ανθεκτικότητα και να ζήσουν μια ζωή γεμάτη ισορροπία και ευεξία. Οι αξίες που διέπουν τη δουλειά του είναι η ενσυναίσθηση, η αποδοχή, το πραγματικό ενδιαφέρον για τον άνθρωπο και η αγάπη για την επιστήμη της Ψυχολογίας.

Paraskeui Stamataki is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist offering online sessions. She holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University, with postgraduate studies in Neuroscience and Mental Functioning ("Brain and Mind") and specialization in Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and psychopathology. Having worked in various settings, including psychiatric clinics and diagnostic centers, she provides psychological support services for adults dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, as well as interpersonal issues. Her professional experience also includes collaboration with primary and secondary schools, offering comprehensive therapeutic solutions and counseling for personal development and mental well-being. Additionally, the Psychologist has participated in numerous seminars as part of her ongoing professional development. Ultimately, with the aim of effectively enhancing emotional balance and well-being, the specialist offers individualized psychological services centered on understanding and managing mental health challenges.

Myleros Giannis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Metaxourgeio. He is a graduate of the Department of Psychology at Panteion University with a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies. He has worked as a Psychologist at Differential Diagnosis and Support Centers in Nea Ionia, at the Soldier Support Service in the Hellenic Army, at the Institute for Research and Therapy of Behavior, as well as in Parallel Support. In his practice, he handles cases covering the entire spectrum of psychopathology, such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others.

Androvitsanea Anthi Psyxologos Msc - Psyxotherapeutria Gsth is a Psychologist - Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's Degree in "Health Promotion and Education" from the Medical School of NKUA. She is a certified Psychotherapist in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, she has been trained in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). She has worked in various mental health settings, both public and private, providing psychotherapeutic and counseling support to adults and young people facing diverse psychosocial difficulties, as well as manifestations of psychopathology such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, psychosomatic symptoms, or other emotional difficulties that affect functionality and quality of life. The focus of her professional career is the support of vulnerable populations, such as women who have experienced gender-based and/or domestic violence, and patients with chronic illnesses.

Polyxronaki Panagiota is a clinical psychologist - psychotherapist providing online sessions.

She holds a degree from the Department of Psychology at the University of Crete and a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Leiden University, Netherlands. She has been trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Approach by the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies.

She is certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, has completed the one-year postgraduate program in Clinical Psychopathology at the 1st Psychiatric Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) and the Research University Mental Health Institute (EPISY), as well as holding a diploma in Coaching from UGROW and the Positive Psychology Society.

In parallel, she has attended numerous specialized trainings and continually pursues her professional development through supervision and ongoing education.

Regarding her professional training, she completed her internship as part of her postgraduate studies at the Psychiatric Clinic of the University Hospital of Heraklion and at the Alzheimer Day Center "Nefeli". Additionally, she completed an internship at the Student Counseling Center of NKUA, providing therapeutic support to students.

She works privately, providing sessions to adults and adolescents.

Maggana Panagiota is a Psychologist - Specialist Psychotherapist working privately, offering online sessions in Greek and English. She provides services to individuals living in Greece and abroad. She is a graduate of the Department of Psychology (BSc) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She holds a master's degree (MSc) in Social Psychology from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Additionally, she specializes through a four-year training program in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provided by the Hellenic Society of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapy (GACBP).

The therapeutic approach of Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy aims to illuminate the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. From early years and throughout a person's life, certain thought patterns as well as cognitive and behavioral "habits" are formed that are not always functional and often lead to dysphoric feelings or complicate our relationship with ourselves or others.

In therapy, the goal is to establish a therapeutic alliance and collaboration to identify these patterns. By setting realistic goals and considering objective environmental challenges, the individual begins to gain self-awareness, practice self-acceptance and self-compassion, and through a range of tools, develops new mechanisms for managing the self, relationships, and everyday situations.

Skafidas Panagiotis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist, Couples Therapist, and maintains a private practice in Neos Kosmos. He holds a state license to practice Psychology and is a member of the EFT Greek Network. He studied Psychology at Lancaster University in England and subsequently completed a postgraduate program in Integrative Psychotherapy and Adult Counseling at the University of Derby. This provided him with the essential knowledge for a combination of approaches and techniques that he can adapt according to the individual and the needs they bring to therapy. Continuing his education, he found great interest in couples and human relationships and pursued a two-year specialization program in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. He assists individuals with various difficulties to receive support at the level they desire. With his knowledge and experience, he acts as an ally to help each psychotherapy client understand and unlock the situation they are in. His thirst for knowledge is unending, and he regularly attends seminars, webinars, workshops, and lectures both in Greece and abroad.

Vasilaki Foteini is a Psychologist - Integrative Psychotherapist - Clinical Supervisor of psychologists and maintains her private practice in Keratsini. She graduated from the Department of Psychology at Panteion University (BSc Hons). She completed advanced postgraduate studies (MSc) in Integrative Psychotherapy at one of the top universities worldwide, The University of Edinburgh. She pursued a four-year professional postgraduate training in the integrative model of psychotherapy and specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalytic, Systemic, and Person-Centered psychotherapy. She has been trained and certified in Clinical Supervision, contemporary psychological interventions in Clinical Psychology for adults, adolescents, and children (Evidence-based Psychotherapy, UK), EMDR trauma therapy, and child psychology with a particular emphasis on projective tests. Currently, she is studying Medical Neurobiology. She has been working formally in the field of Mental Health since 2010 and accepts adults and adolescents for individual therapy. Simultaneously, she conducts individual or group clinical supervision and coordinates adult self-awareness groups. Finally, her goal is to support individuals on their personal “journey,” helping them explore thoughts and emotions and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Periklis Papadopoulos is a Psychologist – CBT Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri, Athens.He graduated from the Department of Psychology of Panteion University and holds a professional license to practice Psychology throughout Greece (License No. 7057). In 2018, he was admitted to the Hellenic Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies – Institute for Behavioral Research and Therapy, for a 4-year training program leading to certification as a Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist (CBT). He graduated with a scholarship and was awarded the “Konstantinos Efthymiou” Prize for outstanding academic performance (exams).From 2018 to 2024, he served as a Clinical Psychologist and later as Head of the Psychology Department at the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health of Dr. Thanos Askitis.He specialized in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions (in men, women, and couples), marital and relationship issues, as well as sexual education for children and adolescents.In addition, he has worked extensively in individual psychotherapy with adults presenting with sexual disorders, depression, anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias), obsessive-compulsive disorder, illness anxiety disorder, somatic symptom disorder, and personality disorders.He has contributed as co-author to the course “Special Topics in Andrology”, within the unit “The Role of Psychiatry in Andrology”, at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.He is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Hellenic Society of Sexology and Intergender Relationships. He has also participated in the Durex program “learn how to do it” on sexual education for adolescents, under the auspices of the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health of Dr. Thanos Askitis.He has been a speaker at scientific conferences and lectures on human sexuality and mental health. He has delivered talks to parents and students on “Sexual Education in Adolescence” as a Scientific Associate of the Institute of Mental and Sexual Health, and has published articles on the Institute’s website as well as in scientific journals in Greece and Cyprus.During his undergraduate studies, he completed internships at the Attica Psychiatric Hospital (PSNA) and later at the Amalthia Hostel as a trainee Psychologist. From 10/2009 to 05/2011, he undertook practical training at the Special Experimental Primary School of the University of Athens, under the supervision of Dr. Konstantinos Michailidis, focusing on psychological support and assessment of children with special needs.During his military service (01/2016–10/2016), he served as a Psychologist at the 414 Military Hospital and in military units in Sparta and Arta. He has also collaborated with Dr. K. Dimitroulis (Obstetrician – Gynecologist Surgeon) at the Biogenetic Center, offering psychological support to couples facing infertility.Since 2013, he has been practicing individual psychotherapy with adults in private practice.

Pliakou Maria BSc, MSc is a Clinical Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Kaisariani (near Karavel - Evangelismos metro station). She studied Psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, completing her fourth year of studies at Universität Konstanz in Germany, following a scholarship she received. During her studies, she completed clinical training at the Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki (P.H.Th.) and at the Day Care Center for Individuals with Memory Disorders. After completing her undergraduate studies, she gained significant experience in the assessment and support of patients with severe mental disorders, within the framework of clinical training in mental health at the Psychiatric Clinic of Papageorgiou General Hospital of Thessaloniki. She specialized in Clinical Psychology through postgraduate studies at Leiden University in the Netherlands, completing clinical training at the Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre, providing psychological support to university students. She followed a four-year specialization in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society of Cognitive Behavioral Studies (SCBS), and received theoretical training in therapy for children and adolescents. She worked for several years as a psychotherapist in the Adult Therapy Department of the Institute for Research and Behavior Therapy (IRBT), and has worked in numerous therapy centers, providing individual psychotherapy to adults, children, adolescents, as well as counseling for parents.

Palloglou Pantelis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist and maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli, where he conducts sessions either in person or online. He specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and handles a wide range of cases daily, including adults, adolescents, parents, and couples experiencing difficulties across the spectrum of psychopathology, such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, emotional disorders, psychosomatic conditions, and eating disorders, as well as challenges faced by individuals undergoing significant life changes and decisions. He studied Psychology BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology at the University of Derby, completing a thesis on Social Anxiety in relation to Mass Media. Additionally, he completed individual psychotherapy with a Cognitive and Counseling Psychotherapy specialist and has worked in the Psychosocial Care Unit of the Hellenic Army. Furthermore, he has attended the Cognitive Psychotherapy training program organized by the First Psychiatric Clinic of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Research University Institute of Mental Health (E.P.I.PSY), and the Hellenic Society of Cognitive Psychotherapies. Through the Cognitive Psychotherapy Training Program, he treats clinical cases at Aeginiteio Hospital under the supervision of the program’s professors. Finally, he remains continuously updated with developments in the field by attending numerous sessions and studying relevant literature.

Pyrovolisianos Dionysis is a Psychologist - Psychotherapist with a private practice in Kypseli. He holds a degree in Psychology from Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences and a Master's degree in "Research Methods and Psychology" from City University of London. Additionally, he has been trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Society for Cognitive Behavioral Studies and the Institute of Behavioral Research and Therapy. He specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, as well as issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.